Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Callum Braley signs new Gloucester deal

Ahead of this evening's fixture with La Rochelle, Gloucester have confirmed the re-signing of scrum-half Callum Braley for 2017/18.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys said: "We're very happy that Callum is extending his stay at the club as he's a very exciting player and forms part of what we feel can be a core of young English talent who can take this club forward.

"We're confident that he'll continue his progression and really push hard for a starting spot and are delighted he sees his future as part of what we're trying to achieve here at Gloucester Rugby.”

Braley has made 33 senior appearances during his career to date with Gloucester and is in the matchday squad for this evening's European Rugby Challenge Cup fixture against Stade Rochelais.

Borthwich to assist Western Force

England assistant coach Steve Borthwick is set to advise the Western Force on a two-week basis and will fly to Perth this week to coach the team for a fortnight.

"It's a great learning experience for him and he gets the opportunity of learning how to beat the Kiwis, which is important," commented England coach Eddie Jones.

"He's a very analytical coach, a very serious coach and he knows more about line-outs than anyone else in the world."

London Welsh vs Doncaster called off

London Welsh have confirmed that the Club’s British and Irish Cup fixture with Doncaster Knights on Saturday has been called off and the club will seek to rearrange the fixture for February.

This comes after the club's chairman confirmed that they have opted voluntary liquidation after "totally unsustainable current business model".

Chairman Gareth Hawkins said: "London Welsh has reached a difficult point in its illustrious history. Due to a playing budget of £1.7million and gates at games numbering as low 400, the Club's current business model is totally unsustainable.

"The debts accrued from trading in this way have left the Club with no alternative but to seek liquidation. Having to break that news to 40 staff members yesterday was extremely difficult.
 
"All creditors of London Welsh Rugby Club will be contacted by the liquidator.
 
"In the New Year, it is the hope and intention of the Board that London Welsh will be able to return to playing at Old Deer Park, however it will first be necessary to change the Club's business model to a semi-professional set-up and form a new company, and then raise £300,000 so that the Club can regain a position within the RFU Greene King IPA Championship.
 
"Richmond have proved that a club can compete in the Championship with a semi-pro model, and I firmly believe we can make this work in 2017.”